ABB has been chosen by OHB System AG, a German space and technology firm, to develop and supply the thermal infrared payloads for the European Space Agency’s (ESA) Earth Explorer Harmony mission. The mission, set to launch in 2029, will use these advanced instruments to monitor environmental variables, such as sea surface temperatures, cloud movements, and their locations.
The infrared payloads, including it’s multiview TIR instrument, will provide ESA with precise measurements of cloud positions and movement, helping to ensure the accuracy of temperature readings from space. This will significantly aid climate science by providing data that can improve the understanding of extreme weather patterns, such as hurricanes, and better predict their occurrence. Additionally, the Harmony mission will help track small land surface changes, which are often linked to earthquakes or volcanic activity, offering valuable insights into geohazards in active geological regions.
Florence Hélière, Project Manager for the Harmony mission at ESA, expressed the mission’s potential to advance Earth system science and climate research. She highlighted the crucial role that industrial partners, such as ABB, play in delivering the mission on time and driving scientific progress.
Agustina Alvarez Toledo, Harmony Project Manager at OHB System AG, emphasized it’s expertise in infrared sensor technologies as a key reason for their selection. She looked forward to further collaboration with ABB to support climate research and benefit future generations.
Jacques Mulbert, President of ABB Measurement & Analytics, reiterated the company’s commitment to sustainability, stating that the company is proud to contribute to the mission’s goals. He emphasized the importance of accurate climate data in preserving the planet’s future, showcasing it’s ability to support the mission’s scientific objectives.
ABB’s Process Automation business specializes in automating, electrifying, and digitalizing industrial processes to meet essential global needs. From powering energy and water systems to producing goods and transporting them to market, ABB delivers innovative solutions that enhance the efficiency, performance, and safety of operations across industries.
With a team of approximately 20,000 skilled employees and cutting-edge technology, ABB Process Automation serves customers in process, hybrid, and maritime industries. Its solutions help businesses optimize operations while fostering a more sustainable and resource-efficient future.
ABB is a global technology pioneer in electrification and automation, committed to enabling industries to operate sustainably and efficiently. By integrating engineering expertise with advanced digitalization, ABB empowers businesses to achieve exceptional performance while reducing their environmental impact.
